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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two well-known examples that fit perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and grants boosts whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was far less common — until this changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no better method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial card announcement, below are previews at an Ally and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate from fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released November 21st.